The Saints Are Coming

Southampton have started to find their feet under new boss Claude Puel after a slow start with two wins and two clean sheets from their last two games. A 1-0 victory over Swansea at home and a 3-0 dismantling of a struggling West Ham side have the Saints looking more like the team that finished sixth last year.

Defence Differentials

In defence Virgil van Dijk (£5.4m) is looking solid as always and the former Celtic man is capable of finding goals from set pieces. But, two full backs have caught our eye recently, Ryan Bertrand (£5.4m) and Cédric Soares (£5.0m). The pair have selection levels of just 0.9% and 1.9% respectively. While Southampton’s upcoming fixtures may not be the most inviting, these two defenders get forward, put crosses in the box and have picked up bonuses recently. Bertrand with three over the last two games, Cédric with a very impressive five.

Cedric has started every game so far this season for Southampton.

Midfield Form Man

In midfield the Saints have Dušan Tadić (£7.2m) who has looks really up for it this season and his form reflects that. One goal, two assists and three clean sheets is great reading for the 2.5% of managers that have gone for the Serb. Chief set piece and penalty taker makes Tadić a tempting prospect but with former Southampton playmaker and in form midfielder Adam Lallana also priced at £7.2m it is a tough call to make.

Tadic had eight goals and thirteen assists last season.

Austin Steps Forward

Up front Southampton have Charlie Austin (£6.3m) who has now taken the place of Shane Long (£6.1m) as Puel’s starting striker. Austin has two goals, an assist and grabbed three bonus points against the Hammers last weekend. The ex QPR man seems to be over his injuries and is looking to rediscover his form of two years ago when he produced eighteen goals, most notably five in five games during the Christmas period. Someone who started well but has struggled for points since Gameweek 1 is Nathan Redmond (£6.0), a midfielder who plays up front is always a positive for FPL managers and 7.3% have the winger in their team. If Southampton continue on their current form Redmond should get back amongst the points.

Almost 75,000 managers have transferred Charlie Austin in for the upcoming Gameweek.

The Saints next game is away to champions Leicester, who are coming off the back of a 4-1 reversal to Manchester United. José Mourinho’s men had a lot of joy from set plays and corners. If Southampton utilizes the same tactic, don’t be surprised to see van Dijk, Tadic and Austin pick up some goal and assist points again and hopefully a clean sheet and bonus.